BWF Awards 2026 open for entries following record-breaking year

The BWF Awards return to celebrate the people, projects and businesses driving innovation, craftsmanship and sustainability across the UK woodworking and joinery sector

Entries are now open for the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards 2026, the sector’s flagship celebration of the people, projects and manufacturing excellence that have helped drive the woodworking and joinery industry forward over the past year.

Now in its 18th year, the BWF Awards build on a record-breaking 2025 programme that attracted the highest number of entries to date and showcased an exceptional calibre of talent and projects. The BWF is expecting even stronger participation from across the UK in 2026.

The 2026 BWF Awards will return to the Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel on Friday 20 November 2026, bringing the industry together in the heart of Bloomsbury to celebrate outstanding craftsmanship, technical innovation and business performance across the woodworking and joinery sector.

Helen Hewitt, CEO of the BWF, said:  “Our awards recognise excellence across the woodworking and joinery profession, which remains at the heart of UK manufacturing. Despite challenging economic conditions, changing regulations and ongoing skills and supply chain pressures, businesses across our sector continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, innovation and expertise.

“The record number of entries we received in 2025 showed the strength of talent across the industry and we expect 2026 to build on that success.”

BWF Health and Safety Award – sponsored by Sikkens Wood Coatings

Recognises an individual or collective effort, or initiative, that’s made a notable difference to health and safety practices and culture within a business. Judges are looking for initiatives or actions that have tangibly improved safety performance and engagement in an organisation. 

BWF Apprentice of the Year Award – sponsored by Accsys Technologies 

Celebrates the achievements of apprentices within woodworking and joinery businesses. Judges will be looking for quality of work against agreed targets and standards, a safety-first attitude and outstanding commitment that’s added value to the apprentice’s workplace. 

BWF Rising Star Award – sponsored by James Latham 

Recognises an individual whose dedication and hard work have made a real difference to their organisation or the wider woodworking and joinery community. Judges seek evidence of someone who consistently goes the extra mile for customers and colleagues, and whose contribution has had a positive impact on business performance or efficiency. 

BWF Woodworking Project of the Year – sponsored by NFU Mutual 

Showcases innovation and the very best in design, application and ability in joinery manufacture. The judges are looking for a project that demonstrates excellence in woodworking and joinery and exceeds the usual requirements of joinery products, whether through scale, complexity or quality of finish. 

BWF Heritage Project of the Year – sponsored by Impra Wood Protection 

Recognises excellence in conservation, restoration or renovation applications. Judges are looking for heritage joinery projects that demonstrate outstanding craftsmanship and clear evidence of a company’s contribution to the conservation, restoration or renovation of a heritage asset. 

BWF Sustainability Award – sponsored by Swedish Wood 

Celebrates outstanding projects, initiatives or individuals that demonstrate a strong commitment to improving environmental sustainability performance. Judges will look for evidence of lasting sustainability improvements, such as reduced carbon emissions, resource efficiency, responsible sourcing or circular practices, supported by robust data and clear plans for continuous improvement. 

BWF Innovation Award – sponsored by Anker Stuy Ltd 

Recognises excellence in technical innovation, product development, design, manufacturing or application. The judges are seeking products, processes or solutions that extend the opportunities and applications of timber joinery by overcoming technical or process challenges or introducing new concepts that deliver clear benefits for customers and the wider market. 

Entries for the 2026 BWF Awards close at 5pm on 7 August 2026.

Further information, entry forms and full category criteria are available via the BWF Awards website: www.bwf.org.uk/bwf-awards-2026.